Career Workshops And Seminars

I’ve coached thousands of job seekers who felt lost and overwhelmed. Here are the 10 steps we start with to find the right path: 1. Your #1 Priority Clarity should be the first thing you invest in. It makes career success SO much easier (at every stage). When you have clarity, you can invest 100% of your energy into that goal. So before you start applying to jobs or grad school? Find your path. 2. The Myth Of “Passion” People think passion is a lightning bolt that suddenly hits you. One day you wake up knowing what you're supposed to do. That's BS. Passion stems from action. It's the result of trying new things. If you want to find your path? You need to act. 3. Map Out Your Ideal Lifestyle Career happiness doesn't come from a job title. It stems from the ability to meet your lifestyle needs: – Target salary – Ideal living situation – Surrounded by people you love – Work that fills your cup Start by defining all of these things. 4. Label Your Energy Next, grab a piece of paper. Make two columns: 1. Energy Creators 2. Energy Drainers Now list out every single activity, task, and project you've worked on. Label each as a creator or drainer. Your career path should be filled with energy creators. 5. Clarify Your Strengths Success is easier when your path plays to natural strengths. I recommend the High 5 Test. It's a 15 minute quiz that will define your top strengths. It'll tell you what each means and how to harness it. Talent: A natural way of thinking, feeling, behaving × Investment: Time spent practicing, developing your skills, or building a knowledge base = Strength: The ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance 6. Find People Doing "Cool" Stuff Now you've created clarity around your strengths, energy, and ideal lifestyle. Next, I want you to find people already living that life. Who has a job you admire? What jobs have seemed “cool” to you in the past? Make a list of 30+ contacts. 7. Reach Out & Learn Make a daily habit of reaching out to one person. Be honest about your situation and desire for clarity. Then make sure to build up their achievements and mention why you admire them. Here's the email template I used when I was on this journey: The Winning Template: Subject: Quick Question  Hi [Name], My name is [Your Name] and I came across your information on LinkedIn while I was looking for people who transitioned into [Industry/Field] from a non-traditional background. Your background is really impressive! I saw you do different fields and [Industry/Field] really piqued my interest. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to hear more about your journey and how you landed in your role today. I know that’s a big ask so no worries if it’s too much. I totally understand. Either way, hope you have a great rest of the week!  

It has become common for students and new job seekers to encounter feelings of dissatisfaction and uncertainty when deciding on their career path or transitioning into a new job. As students engage in the process of identifying their career path, it's crucial that they make decisions while considering the below factors: - Personal interests & values. - Aptitudes & Passion. - Demand for the chosen career. - Job sustainability. - Financial stability. It is also important to have a well-defined career goal. The same goes for selecting a new job as well. There are many aspects to consider, ranging from the roles and responsibilities to the company's work culture. Rather than being blindsided by unexpected challenges, it is highly advisable to take up counseling or coaching sessions with experts. These sessions provide valuable guidance and insights, including the following benefits: ➡ Self-assessment: Identify strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. ➡ Exploration: Discover diverse career options and industries. ➡ Skill-Interest Alignment: Match skills and interests for ideal career paths. ➡ Goal Setting: Establish clear, achievable career objectives. ➡ Upskilling guidance: Receive guidance on required education and qualifications. ➡ Job Market Insight: Stay updated on industry trends and job market conditions. ➡ Resume and Interview Help: Receive the right guidance for your job search process. ➡ Overcoming Barriers: Get support in addressing personal or professional obstacles. ➡ Networking Advice: Learn effective networking strategies to enhance your career. ➡ Decision-Making Support: Receive assistance in making informed career decisions, especially with multiple options. ➡ Stress Management: Develop coping strategies for career-related stress. ➡ Accountability partner & Ongoing Support: Continuously adapt and refine career goals. #linkedintopvoices #studentscareer #contentstartegistsri

Is your next career move the right one? When it comes to judging your next job, what are the criteria? I've lost count of how many career sessions I've had with current students or alumni who come in saying, "I started updating my resume today, and tomorrow I'm going to apply to everything on LinkedIn because I can't take this job anymore/my manager anymore/ these clients anymore/ these business trips anymore, etc., and I'm just going to start applying." It feels for them like they are finally making a move, doing what they always wanted to do, putting themselves first. The common trap for those just wanting to escape their current job is that it presents itself as progress during a "get out" journey. It is their belief that leaving is itself a step forward and that any new opportunity will satisfy all of their needs. As long as they don't take the time to reflect on their motivations, different things they could imagine doing, their energy drainers and drivers, and the trade-offs they are willing to make, they will not truly understand what progress looks like for them, ultimately leading to regret. A striking number of recent MBA graduates, nearly a third, found themselves in roles they were unhappy with almost immediately. (MBA exchange statistics) So, if I am an HR leadership development person aimed at retaining talents for the organization or a career professor, giving career strategy development sessions, and knowing what driving forces are causing employees/ alumni to change jobs, what can I do about it? How I can support them to make progress in their careers and be satisfied with that progress? 1. I can start with brainstorming, encouraging them to explore 3-5 different career paths. 2. I can then discuss their energy drainers and energy drivers. 3. Afterward, I can help them identify the talents and strengths they want to utilize in their jobs. 4. Together, we can determine what trade-offs they are or are not willing to make with regard to their next career move. 5. Next, I can help them formulate 3-5 hypotheses about their future roles and motivate them to conduct market research to test their assumptions. 6. Lastly, to assist them in getting informational interviews, I can facilitate meetings with professionals currently in the roles they are considering.  It's no longer the case that we join an organization that dictates our career paths for us. We have the freedom to choose and to chart our own course instead. Let's discuss your experience/insights on this topic!

𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭: 𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 Career transitions can be both exciting and challenging. This week, I had the privilege of leading a session on 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, offering a roadmap for those seeking change in their professional journey. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝: 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Evaluate your skills, values, and passions. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡: Explore industries and roles that align with your strengths. 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐚𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬: Identify and bridge skill gaps through learning and experience. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: Build connections and seek insights from industry professionals. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: Highlight transferable skills and refine your online presence. 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Learn from those who’ve successfully pivoted. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Start with side projects or part-time work. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Commit to ongoing development. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Understand that transitions take time and persistence. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: A successful career pivot requires thorough preparation and a strategic approach Self-awareness and market knowledge are crucial for identifying the right career move Building a support network and continuously developing skills are essential for a smooth transition Remember, a career change is a journey, not a destination. With the right mindset and preparation, you can successfully navigate your way to a fulfilling new professional path. Akansha Rawat Isha Mishra Prof.Bhagyalakshmi Udayagiri Pranita Sakhare Ayesha Ejas Avneet Jolly #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerStrategy #PersonalGrowth

It's easy to gripe about managers and write off projects, teams, environments to having poor culture because of leadership.   Yet, there is also an equally important aspect: the 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 and accountability that contributes to 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.   Whilst leaders set the culture tone, individuals have a role to play.   Here are some 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 that I could think of, that contribute to high respect team culture; let me know in comments if you can think of some more:  𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 Yes, No, Tentative - don't leave people guessing. 𝟮. 𝗕𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 Punctuality shows respect for others' time and helps everyone stay focused 𝟯. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 Phones down, get off the outlook or teams or slack channels. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝘆 If you don't understand, ask questions to ensure you know what you need to do 𝟱. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 Running late? Can't deliver? Blocked somewhere on the chain? Speak up so you don't cause last minute angst. 𝟲. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Delivery on what you say, or renegotiate timelines - it's such a let down when you let things slip - number one way to break trust. 𝟳. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘀 Feeling annoyed? Don't send that ping or email. Step away. Believe me, this is a good strategy. But also, re-read your message to make sure to make it respectful. 𝟴. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗱𝘆 Virtual or physical, a clean space signals professionalism 𝟵. 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Where someone helped you to get to a solution, or provided information, or worked with you - thank them, give credit, and acknowledge them. Recognition builds trust and goodwill. 𝟏𝟎. 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 - 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 Culture is shaped in every conversation - dismiss the saucy drama and vilification and stay on the positive. When these basic workplace hygiene factors become second nature, trust builds. Collaboration thrives. And performance follows. Culture - no ONE person owns it - individuals drive it. #workplaceEtiquette #HighPerformance #TeamCulture #FutureOfWork

Why Harvard Business School’s case method is a powerful learning tool It forces respectful disagreement, makes you speak up (so your thinking gets sharper), and turns the room into a lab where you learn from everyone—and remember it because you discovered it yourself, not because someone lectured you. 3 practical moves for your next meeting/class (and why they work): • Make the call first. Open with a one-sentence decision (e.g., “Approve the plan, but cap spend at X”). It surfaces trade-offs immediately and invites people to challenge the choice, not wander through updates. • Ask for one credible counterexample. “Who can make the best case against this?” Assign the role if needed. It exposes hidden assumptions, prevents groupthink, and usually improves the final decision. • End with ‘What changed your mind?’ Have 2–3 people share one update. It normalizes revising beliefs in public—real learning, not performative debate. Full post on The Edge (≈5 min):  https://lnkd.in/eBhRBqxw #Leadership #Learning #DecisionMaking #Communication #TheEdge

🎭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 🎭 What if I told you the best leadership lessons don’t come from books or PowerPoint slides—but from play? During our recent Managerial Effectiveness Training, we put this to the test. Instead of just discussing strategies, we engaged in activities that made managers step out of their comfort zones and into a world of hands-on learning. And the results? Transformational. ✨ The Standout Exercise: 🏗 The Tower Challenge – Teams were given limited resources to build the tallest, most stable structure possible. What started as a fun, seemingly simple task quickly turned into a real-world simulation of decision-making under pressure, resource management, and teamwork. 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔹 Planning Matters – Those who spent time strategizing before jumping in performed better. 🔹 Collaboration is Key – The most successful teams weren’t the ones with the best ideas, but the ones who communicated and adapted quickly. 🔹 Constraints Drive Creativity – Limited resources forced participants to think outside the box—just like in real-life business scenarios. At the end of the session, one participant said: "I never realized how much leadership and problem-solving mirror real life until I actually experienced it." 🎯 Why It Works: Studies show that we retain 90% of what we learn through experience, compared to just 10% from passive listening. When we engage in hands-on learning, the lessons become unforgettable. This is the power of experiential training—it doesn’t just teach concepts; it ingrains them. Want to create an impactful learning experience for your leadership team? Let’s connect! 🚀 #ManagerialEffectiveness #LeadershipTraining #ExperientialLearning #GrowthMindset #CorporateTraining #LearnByDoing

👋 Hey PhDs ... let's talk about career discovery! I meet so many PhD students and postdocs who sit down in my office and ask: ? ? ?  “Where do I even start when it comes to career options?” ? ? ? It’s a familiar challenge. As PhDs, we often face this ‘good problem’ of having so many possible career paths - some we don’t even know exist yet - that it can feel overwhelming. 🌟 I wanted to share with you all how I guide the folks I work with and the resources I share with them to get them started on the journey of career discovery: 1️⃣ Start with conversations. Read this piece on reframing networking: Daunted by Networking? Try the Scientific Method (https://lnkd.in/gvEicyF2). Talk to people in roles you find interesting – that is what gives you real insight without having to dive in blind. 2️⃣ Do some self-reflection. These tools can help translate what matters to you into actual job titles: ▪Skills & Values Inventory Tool (https://lnkd.in/g2B3XrFD) - Reflect on your transferable skills, work preferences, and career values through a guided self-assessment. Gain clarity on what matters most and use your insights to explore new, meaningful career directions. (BONUS: Your results can be plugged directly into Career-Compass to generate personalized career path suggestions!) ▪Career-Compass (https://lnkd.in/g_rtvsSG) - Discover job titles that align with your skills, interests, and values. Think of it as a personal career brainstorming partner. ▪Meaningful Work Kit (Stanford) (https://mwk.stanford.edu/) - A career assessment tool to help you understand and prioritize what makes you thrive. 3️⃣ Connect with people who’ve been there. Check out PhD Paths, especially their list of PhDs willing to connect. Every person on that list is open to being contacted - it’s a great place to start connecting (thank you Ashley Moses!). The career exploration process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Small, intentional steps - including conversations, reflection, and connection - can open doors you didn’t even know were there. 🔍 Stay curious. Keep exploring. And your next step will come into focus. #PhDLife #PostdocLife #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #STEMCareers #Networking #HeyPhDs

Ever leave a meeting wondering what just happened? No clarity. No decision. Just noise and frustration? In corporate meetings, decisions often take longer than they should. The impact? ❌ Extended timelines. ❌ Team friction. ❌ Missed opportunities. Edward de Bono figured out one solution: Six Thinking Hats. Most people argue from one viewpoint only. This model unlocks six at once. Here's how this framework transforms decision-making: 1️⃣ Red Hat - The Counselor: Channel your emotions and gut feelings without justification. "What's my instinct telling me about this?" 2️⃣ Black Hat - The Detective: Spot potential problems and risks with careful analysis. "What needs careful consideration?" 3️⃣Yellow Hat - The Entrepreneur: Find opportunities and value in every situation. "What makes this idea valuable?" 4️⃣White Hat - The Scientist: Focus purely on facts, figures, and objective information. "What does the data tell us?" 5️⃣ Green Hat - The Artist: Generate fresh ideas and alternative approaches. "What if we tried something different?" 6️⃣ Blue Hat - The Conductor: Organize the thinking process and keep focus. "How should we approach this?" The breakthrough idea? Everyone wears the same hat at the same time. Put it to work (here is an example): ✅ Start with Blue Hat (set the agenda) ✅ Use White Hat (gather facts first) ✅ Try Green Hat (explore creative options) ✅ Apply Yellow Hat (find the positives) ✅ Use Black Hat (identify risks) ✅ Check Red Hat (how does everyone feel?) ✅ End with Blue Hat (decide next steps) No more talking past each other. Better decisions. Faster results. ❓ Which hat do you wear most often, and which one do you think you need more of? Share with others. 👉 Do you find this post useful? Share it with your network. 👉 Follow Maria Luisa Engels for visuals that teach and teamwork insights. 👉Join the newsletter and get the free sketchnote starter guide https://lnkd.in/ebxKuWFt

"I do not feel effective working after 8+ years of working in the same space". My mentee recently came with a concern that put me to think twice. This hit home. We've all been there - that plateau where familiar becomes stagnant. So we mapped out three paths forward: 1️⃣ Values Clarification ▪️Career Drivers Exercise: Rank motivators (autonomy, mastery, purpose, compensation, work-life balance) ▪️Satisfaction Analysis: Rate aspects of current role from 1-10 (responsibilities, environment, growth opportunities) ▪️Future Visualization: Document ideal working conditions, responsibilities, and impact 5 years ahead 2️⃣ Internal Mobility ▪️ Organizational Landscape Analysis: Map departments with complementary skill requirements Identify growth areas within the organization Research successful internal transitions ▪️Strategic Networking Plan: Schedule informational interviews with team leaders Join cross-departmental committees/initiatives Find internal sponsors who can advocate for your transition ▪️Transition Preparation: Identify skill gaps for target positions Create development plan to address deficiencies Build portfolio of transferable achievements 3️⃣ Career Pivot ▪️Industry Exploration: Research sectors where your expertise transfers favorably Analyze growing fields aligned with personal interests Evaluate compensation expectations and lifestyle implications ▪️Strategic Upskilling Program: Identify certification/education requirements for target fields Develop learning roadmap with timeline and resources Secure practical experience through volunteering/side projects ▪️Network Development Campaign: Attend industry conferences/events in target field Connect with professionals who've made similar transitions Join relevant professional associations The insight? Sometimes effectiveness isn't about working harder but positioning yourself where your experience creates maximum impact. Growth happens when we're uncomfortable. The question isn't "should I stay or should I go?" but rather "where can my expertise create the most value?" What advice would you give someone feeling stuck in their professional journey? #MentorshipMoments #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth